Centrifugal control having a pivotally mounted pressure plate mounting a plurality of pivot plate switch actuators



Dec. 22, 1964 w. J. WILLIAMS 3,162,735

CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL HAVING A PIVOTALLY MOUNTED PRESSURE PLATE MOUNTING A PLURALITY OF PIVOT PLATE SWITCH ACTUATORS Filed on 24, 1961 IN V EN TOR.

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a ,WQZEMEM United States Patent Ofifice 3,162,735 Patented Dec. 22, 194

, 3,162,735 CENTRIFUGAL CONTROL HAVING A PIVOT- ALLY MOUNTED PRESSURE PLATE MQUNT- ING A PLURALITY F PIVOT PLATE SWITCH ACTUATORS William J. Williams, 2800 Blackhawk Road, Wilmette, Ill. Filed Oct. 24, 1961, Ser. No. 147,333 8 Claims. (Cl. 200-8tl) This invention relates to a speed responsive multiple switch and particularly to an improved mechanism for selectively opening and closing a plurality of switches in accordance with the rotational speed of the drive shaft in the mechanism.

The mechanism of the present invention is particularly well suited for opening, closing or transferring circuits in accordance with predetermined set speeds as applied to the drive shaft of the mechanism. The present invention is an improvement over that mechanism disclosed and claimed in my United States Patent No. 2,779,836.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved control mechanism for sequentially actuating a plurality of switches as the rotational speed of a drive shaft thereof increases above or decreases below each of a number of selected speed conditions.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a new and improved multiple switch mechanism including an externally driven rotatable structure, wherein the switches are actuated by translating the rotational motion of the driven shaft into an axial pressure operating against a single movable plate. Movement of the plate is resisted by a plurality of pressure responsive pivots which may be in and of themselves supported on pivot plates also having pivot pressures applied thereto.

Further objects and features of the invention pertaining to the particular structure and arrangements whereby the above identified objects and other objects of the invention are attained.

The invention, both as to its structure and mode of operation will be better understood by reference to the following disclosure and drawings forming a part thereof wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the switch mechanism in accordance with the present invention shown with its housing removed and some of its parts illustrated in section;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the arrangement shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURES 3 and 4 are respectively top plan and side views of a pressure plate utilized in the invention of FIG- URE 1; p

FIGURES 5 and 6 are, respectively, side and top views of pivot plates utilized in the switch mechanism of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIGURE lillustrating. the position of the pivot plates relative to the pressure plate;

'FIGURE 8'is a sectional view taken along line 88 of FIGURE 2 illustrating a spring loaded adjustable resistance means;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a portion'of the arrangement illustrated in FIGURE 1 showing a pressure plate, a pivot plate in conjunction with the spring loaded adjustable resistance means and support bracket; and

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view, partially in section, similar to FIGURE 1 and showing the switching assembly thereof in operating position.

Referring to the drawings, theswitching mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 1 is referred to generally by the' reference numeral 10.' It is comprised essentially of a centrifugally operated camming means'10a, a switching assembly 16b and a housing, not shown, for maintaining the camming nieans 10a and switch assembly 10b in fixed relationship relative to one another.

The centrifugally operated camming means 10a includes a governor shaft 12 which is driven at varying rotational speeds by some external source utilized as the control in the mechanism. The shaft 12 carries thereon a rotatable support 14 for the governor weights 15, the support 14 being pinned to the shaft 12 by suitable means, as illustrated. The governor weights 15 are pivoted at point 16 to the support 14 so that under the centrifugal action of the revolving shaft 12 these weights move outwardly and pivot about the point 16.

A freely movable sliding plunger or controlling element 18, axially aligned with the shaft 12 and supportedon the support 14, is providedwith a pair of axially spaced collars 19a and 1921. Each of the weights 15 has formed thereon a cam 24} which fits between the collars 19a and 19b and operates to move the plunger 18 axially as the weights 15 move outwardly and the earns 20 move upwardly about the pivot point 16.

Each weight 15 is connected to the other weight by especially constructed range spring 21. These springs 21 have a restraining influence on the movement of the weights 15 outwardly from the plunger 18.

In the present invention the improvement relates primarily to switching structure and means designed to open,

' close or transfer a plurality of circuits at different speeds Considering now the construction of the switching assembly 10b in detail, reference is made to FIGURES 1 and 2. The switching assembly 10]) includes a top cover plate 3% intended to be secured to the housing of the mechanism, not shown. Depending from this cover 30 and aifixed thereto are three switch units 32a, 32b and 320 angularly spaced apart about the axis of the governor as shown in FIGURE 2. Each of the switch units includes a pair of spaced apart switches, the switch unit 32a as shown in FIGURE 1, including the switches 33 and 35 separated by a spacer block 37. The switch 33 has a downwardly extending switch operating pin 34 and the switch 35 has a downwardly extending switch operating pin 36. The other switch units 32band 32c are similarly comprised.

The operating mechanism for these switches consists of a pressure plate 33 and pivot plates 40a, 40b and 40a in triangular formation. The pressure plate 38 is of a generally circular configuration including thereon three arm- It is on these pivot points 44a, 44b and 440 that the corresponding pivot plates 44m, 40b and Mic are supported. The structure of the pivot plates is best illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6 wherein there is shown the pivot plate 40a of substantially rectangular configuration for which the longitudinal dimension'is substantially greater than the transverse dimension. For purposes of adding strength the pivot plate 40a is provided with downwardly extending channels on each side running in the longitudinal we dimension although it is understood that these flanges are not essential to the present construction. At the center of-the longitudinal and transverse dimensions is an upwaidly extending recess 46 for receiving the corresponding pivot point 44a on the pressure plate. In alignment therewith and at either end of the pressure plate are downwardly extendingre'cesses 47a and 48a for receiving pivot plungers hereinafter described. Intermediate the recess 46a and the recess 47a and intermediate the recess 46a and the recess 48a is an upwardly extending projection 51a and 52a, respectively.

Coacting with each of the pivot plates 40a, 40b and 400 are corresponding pairs of downwardly extending spring loaded pivot points 55a, 55b and 55b. Each pair of pivot points is positioned on the outside of the corresponding switch unit 32a, 32b and 320 with the pins thereof in alignment with the switch operating pins of the unit; Specifically, the pair of spring loaded pivots 55a are made up of pivot assemblies 56 and 53, for which the pivot assembly '56 includes a pivot pin 57 for engaging the recess 47a of the pivot plate 40a and for which the pivot assembly 58 includes a pivot pin 59 for engaging the recess 48a in the pivot plate 40a. Each of the pivot assemblies 56 and 58 of the pairs 55a, 55b and 550 is mounted from the top cover plate 30 as shown in FIGURE 1 and is constructed in detail as shown in the cross sectional view of FIGURE 8 and as otherwise described in my United States Patent No. 2,779,836.

In recapitulation, the main operating mechanism for the switch units 32a, 32b and 32c is a pressure plate 38 and pivot plates 46a, 40b and 400 balanced thereon by corresponding pivots 44a, 44b and 440. This pressure plate and these pivot plates are held in vertical position between a thrust bearing pivot carried on the plunger 18 of the governor operating directly against a recess 41 in the pressure plate 38-, and also by pivot pins in the pivot pairs 55a, 55b and 550 operating downwardly against the corresponding pivot plates 40a, 40b and 400. Operation of the governor unit ltla in moving the plunger 18 reversibly in the vertical direction applies corresponding pressures to the pressure plate 38 and the pivot plates 40a, 40b and 400 against the spring loaded pivot pins of the pivot pairs 55a, 55b and 550. The elfect of this pressure is discussed further hereinafter.

As best shown in FIGURE 9, arranged with each switch unit 32a, 32b and 320 and its corresponding pair of pivots 55a, 55b and 550 is a bracket 60a, 60b and 600 also secured to the undersurface 'of the top cover plate 30. Each bracket includes a backface '61 and opposing sidefaces 63 and '64. The back face 61 includes therein an upwardly extending slot 62 adapted to receive one of the outwardly extending arms 39a, 39b and 39c of the pressure plate 38. The side faces 63 and 64 each includes therein an aperture 65 and 66, respectively, for receiving the corresponding one of the pivot plates 40a, 40b and 400. The apertures 62,65 and 66 are generally arranged to permit relatively free movement of the pressure plate 38 and pivot plates 40a, 40b and 40c in a vertical direction but to restrict the amount of rotational and translational movement of such elements. Accordingly, through use of the brackets 60a, 60b and 600 the efiective motion of the pressure plate 38 and pivot plates 40a, 40b and 40a in the vertical direction is restricted to the distance between the pivot 42 associated with the plunger 18 and the pins of the pivot pairs 55a, 55b and 550.

The spring loaded pivots such as a pivot 56 illustrated in FIGURE 8 and including the pivot pin "57 are terminated in a head 75 located within a tube 76, the latter being fixed 'to the cover plate 30. Above the head 75 of the pivot plunger 57 is a spring 77 loaded to produce a certain resistance against movement of the plungerby the pivot plate operating against it. To provide for adjustable loading of the spring 77 there is provided at the upper end of the tube 76 an adjustable screw threaded pin. By adjustment of the pin 78 the loading on the spring 77 can be adjusted and thereby the loading on the plunger pivot 57. A lock nut 79 provides means for fixing the spring loading adjustment in the pivot assembly 56. The same structure is employed in the pivot assembly 58 and in each of the pivot assemblies of the pairs 55b and 550.

By reference to FIGURE 1 it is understood that the loading furnished to the pivot plate 40a by the pivot pins 57 and 59 may vary according to the loading on the ndividual pins. As disclosed hereinafter, this load ng determines the sequence in which the switch operating pins 34 and 36 are closed and opened and particularly the speeds at which the switches are closed and opened.

It will be noted that centrally disposed above the cover plate 30 there is provided an output conduit suitable for electrical terminal conductors 30 connected to the individual switches in the switch unit 32a, 32b and 32c. By means of the conduit 30 control is furnished to the externally operated devices in the system.

The operation of the mechanism is as follows: As the speed of the governor increases, the plunger 18 and conseque'ntially the pivot 42 move upwardly. This exerts a pressure against the bottom surface of the pressure plate 38'tending to make it rise and apply pressure via the pivots 44a, 44b and 440 to the pivot plates 40a, 40b and 400. Accordingly,- the pivot plates 40a, 40b and fills tend to rise and exert pressure against the loaded pivot pins of the pivot pairs 55a, 55b and 55c.

Each of the pivot plates 40a 40b and 400 unbalance, as shown in FIGURE 10, according to the relative spring loading pressure between the opposite ends thereof. Further, the pressure plate 38 unbalances in accordance with the relative composite loadings on each of the pivot plates 40a, 40b and 400 operating thereon.

Specifically, and, referring to FIGURE 10, assuming that the spring loading on the pivot pin 57 is the least of all the pivot pins in the pairs 55a, 55b and 55c, as speed of the governor increases, the pressure exerted thereby will be directed through the linkage described to overcome the pressure operating against the pin 57, causing the latter to retract into the pivot frame 56. This forces the extension 51a in the pivot plate 40a against the switch pin 34 of the switch 33 so as to cause that switch to operate. At that predetermined minimum speed, it will be noted that the pivot pin 59 is still in its extended position so that the switch pin 36 is inoperative. At this time the end of the pivot plate 40a nearest the retracted pivot pin 57 has operated against the upper surface of the aperture 66 in the side plate 64 of the bracket 60a. Accordingly, any increase in speed at the governor can only act to efiectively pivot the pivot plate 40a about the retracted pivot pin 57 and against the loading of the pivot pin 59.

Assuming that the spring loading on the pin 59 is greater than that on pin 57 but less than the loading on the pins of the pivot pairs 55b and 550, then as the governor speed increases further, the pivot 42 moves further upwardly carrying with it the pressure plate 38 and the pivot point 44a. Accordingly, the pivot plate 40a pivots about the pivot pin 57 overcoming the pressure on the pivot pin 59 so that the latter withdraws into the pivot structure 58. At that time then, the point 5211 makes contact with the switch pin 36 of the switch 35 causing that switch to close and perform its control :function.

Further at this time the plate 40a will have com pleted its fullcourse of upward movement and will be in a fixed position against the upper surfaces of the apertures 65 and 66 in the bracket 60a. Accordingly, the 'pivot 44a on the pressure plate 38 will have completed its full course of upward translational movement and will become a rigid pivot about which the pressure plate 38 pivots upon application of upward pressures by the plunger 18 at the pivot 42. Thus, the pressure plate 38 will be in condition "to operate against the pivot plate 4% and 400.

This same procedure is performed with regard to the pivot plates 40]) and 400 and their associated pivot pairs 55b and 55s until all six switches in the switch units 32a, 32b and 320 are operated. At that time the governor speed will be at its maximum control and any further increase in governor speed will not effect operation of the switches. However, as the speed of the governor decreases from this maximum governor speed, the position of the pivot 42 and the plunger 18 associated therewith moves downwardly. Accordingly, the switches in the switch units 32a, 32b and 32c are restored in their reverse operating order with the switch 33 of the switch pair 32a being the last of the switches restored.

Although the foregoing description relates to the operation of the switch assembly 1012 to the closing and opening of six switches in a sequential fashion, it is to be understood that the arrangement hereof may be accommodated to groupings of switches. Although the arrangement could be adapted to the operation of but a single switch, it is evident that its most efficient utility is directed to use with four or more switches.

While what has been described herein is considered at present to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that this is merely exemplary of an arrangement in accordance with the invention and that variations and modifications may be made therein without varying from the principles thereof. Accordingly, it is intended to protect and encompass within the scope of the appended claims all such variations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft; longitudinal extension means on said shaft extended in accordance with the rotational speed of said shaft, a pressure plate pivotally supported on the end of said extension means for longitudinal movement therewith, a plurality of pivot plates in spaced relationship on one surface of said pressure plate, a corresponding plurality of first pivotal means on said pressure plate supporting said pivot plates for movement therewith between a first position and a second position, a corresponding plurality of second pivotal means operating against said plurality of pivot plates to restrict the movement thereof, said first and second pivotal means being arranged so that upon extension of said longitudinal extension means said pressure plate and pivot plates are moved longitudinally and pivotally about the respective first pivotal means in progressive movement of the pivot plates from said first position to i said second position, and a plurality of movement responsive switches closely spaced above said pivot plates each operative in response to movement of the corresponding pivot plate into said second position.

2. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft; longitudinal extension means on said shaft extended in accordance with the rotational speed of said shaft, a pressure plate pivotally supported on the end of said extension means for longitudinal movement therewith, a plurailty of pivot plates in spaced re lationship on one surface of said pressure plate and pivotally supported thereon for movement therewith between a first position and a second position, a correspending plurality of pairs of movable pivots operating against said plurality of pivot plates to restrict movement thereof, each of said movable pivots including therewith adjustable pressure means, so that upon extension of said longitudinal extension means said pressure plate and said pivot plates are moved longitudinally relative to said extension means against said movable pivots and moved pivotally in accordance with the adjustments of said adjustable pressure means in progressive movement of said pivot plates from said first position to said second position, and a plurality of movement responsive switches 6. closely spaced above said pivot plates and each operative in response to movement of the corresponding pivot plate into said second position.

3. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft; longitudinal extension means on said shaft extended in accordance with the rotational speed of said shaft, a pressure plate pivotally supported on the end of said extension means for longitudianl movement therewith, a plurality of pivot plates in spaced relationship on one surface of said pressure plate and pivotally supported thereon for axial and pivotal movement therewith between a first position and a second position relative. to the axis of said longitudinal extension means, a corresponding plurality of pairs of movable pivots operating against said plurality of pivot plates to restrict movement thereof, each of said movable pivots including therewith adjustable pressure means, so that upon progressive extension of said longitudinal extension means each of said pivot plates is moved longitudinally against said movable pivots and rotationally about the end of said extension means and pivotally about itself in accordance with the adjustments of said adjustable pressure means from said first position to said second position, and a plurality of movement responsive switches closely spaced above said pivot plates and each operative in response to movement of the corresponding pivot plate into said second position.

4. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft; longitudinal extension means on said shaft extended in accordance with the rotational speed of said shaft, a pressure plate pivotally supported on the end of said extension means for longitudinal movement therewith, a plurality of pivot plates in spaced relationship on one surface of said pressure plate and pivotally supported thereon for axial and pivotal movement therewith between a first position and a second position relative to the axis of said longitudinal extension means, a corresponding plurality of pairs of movable pivots each pair operating against a corresponding pivot plate at opposite ends thereof to restrict movement thereof, each of said movable pivots including therewith adjustable pressure means, so that upon progressive extension of said longitudinal extension means each of said pivot plates is moved longitudinally against said movable pins and rotationally about the end of said extension means and pivotally about itself in accordance with the adjustments of said adjustable pressure means from said first position to said second position, and a plurailty of movement responsive switches in said housing each closely spaced above an end of one of said pivot plates and operative in response to movement of the end of the corresponding pivot plate into said second position.

5. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft; axial extension means on said shaft extended relative to said shaft in accordance with the rotational speed thereof, a pressure plate pivotally supported on the end of said axial extension means for axial movement therewith, three pivot plates radially spaced apart on one surface of said pressure plate and pivotally supported thereon for axial and pivotal movement therewith between a first position and a second position relative to the axis of said axial extension means, a corresponding plurality of pairs of movable pivots each pair operating against a corresponding pivot plate at opposite ends thereof to restrict movement thereof, each of said movable pivots including therewith adjustable pressure means so that upon progressive extension of said axial extension means each of said pivot plates is moved axially against said movable pivots and rotationally about the end of said extension means and pivotally about itself in accordance with the adjustments of said adjustable pressure means from said first position to said second position, and a plurality of movement responsive switches in said housing each closely spaced above an end of one of said pivot plates and operative in response 7 to movement of the end of the corresponding pivot plate into said second position.

6. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism including a rotatable shaft, an axially movable extension means on said shaft, the axial movement of which depends upon the speed of rotation ofsaid shaft, a pressure plate pivotally mounted at one point on the end of said extension means, three pivotal plates in triangular formation, each pivotal plate being supported at its middle on said pressure plate for axial and pivotal movement therewith between a first position and a second position relative to the axis of said extension means, a corresponding plurality of pairs of pressure regulated yieldably movable pivots, each pair contacting and operating against a corresponding pivot plate at opposite ends thereof to yieldably restrict movement thereof whereby upon progressive axial movement of said extension means each of the pivot plates is moved axially against said movable pivots and pivotally about the end of said extension means, the corresponding pivot plates being yieldable in accordance with their pressure regulated conditions for movement of said pivot plates from said first to said second position, and a plurality of supported movement responisve switches each closely spaced above an end of said pivot plates and operative in response to movement of the end of the corresponding pivot plate into said second position.

7. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism including a rotatable shaft, an axially movable extension means on said shaft, the axial movement of which depends upon the speed of rotation of said shaft, a pressure plate pivotally mounted at one point on the end of said extension means, three pivot plates in triangular formation, each pivot plate being supported at its middle am said pressure plate for axial and pivotal movement therewith, .a pressure regulated yieldably mounted pivot contacting each end ofeachpivot'plate, apairof electric switches closely spaced above each pivot plate for actuation thereby, said pressure plate and said pivot plates being given movements with the axial movement of said extension means whereby each pivot plate progressively will be :tilted in ,one direction to close one switch and then will :be tilted in-the opposite direction to close the second switch whe-reby consecutive operation of the switches will occur.

8. A speed responsive multiple switch mechanism including a rotatable shaft, an axially movable extension means on-saidshaft, the axial movement of which depends upon the speed of rotation of said shaft, a pressure plate pivotally mounted atone point on 'the end as said extension means, three pivot plates in triangular formation, each pivot plate .being supported at its middle :on said pressure plate for axial and pivotal movement therewith,

a pressure regulated yieldab ly mounted pivot contacting each end of each pivot plate, a pair-of electric switches closely spaced above each pivot-plate for actuation thereby, said pressure plate and said pivot plates being given movements with the axial movement of said extension means whereby each pivot plate progressively will be tilted in onedirection to close one switch and then will be tilted in the opposite direction to close the second switch whereby consecutive operation of the pivot plates and switches will occur so that the threepairs of switches will be operated consecutively.

Williams Jan. 29, 1957 McCathron Aug. 23, 1960 

7. A SPEED RESPONSIVE MULTIPLE SWITCH MECHANISM INCLUDING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, AXIALLY MOVABLE EXTENSION MEANS ON SAID SHAFT, THE AXIAL MOVEMENT OF WHICH DEPENDS UPON THE SPEED OF ROTATION OF SAID SHAFT, A PRESSURE PLATE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED AT ONE POINT ON THE END OF SAID EXTENSION MEANS, THREE PIVOT PLATES IN TRIANGULAR FORMATION, EACH PIVOT PLATE BEING SUPPORTED AT ITS MIDDLE ON SAID PRESSURE PLATE FOR AXIAL AND PIVOTAL MOVEMENT THEREWITH, A PRESSURE REGULATED YIELDED MOUNTED PIVOT CONTACTING EACH END OF EACH PIVOT PLATE, A PAIR OF ELECTRIC SWITCHES CLOSELY SPACED ABOVE EACH PIVOT PLATE FOR ACTUATION THEREBY, SAID PRESSURE PLATE AND SAID PIVOT PLATES BEING GIVEN MOVEMENTS WITH THE AXIAL MOVEMENT OF SAID EXTENSION MEANS WHEREBY EACH PIVOT PLATE PROGRESSIVELY 